The Lyrid meteor shower passes by Earth every year around April 16-25. This year the peak is expected to be shortly before dawn on April 22nd.

The number of meteors can vary, and very rarely reach  "storm" levels of frequency, but on a very dark and moonless night there are usually up to 20 bright meteors an hour. This year's peak should be relatively free of bright moonlight as the moon will set before the peak of the shower.


If you want to try to spot some meteors, you may want to bundle up as it's still a bit chilly at night for most folks in the Northern Hemisphere! Get to a dark spot, get comfortable, bring extra blankets to stay warm, and let your eyes adjust to the dark sky. A cozy lounge chair makes for a great seat, as does simply lying on your back on a blanket, eyes scanning the whole sky.

Find out more Lyrid observing tips for this year courtesy EarthSky and on JPL's What's Up for April 2018 stargazing video. The Night Sky Network has a handout that you may find useful for your meteor watching party: Heads Up: It's a Meteor Shower Handout!
 
Radiant point of the Lyrid meteor shower
Image of the radiant of the Lyrid Meteor Shower, courtesy EarthSky
 

Date: Sunday, 4/22/2018

Time: 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM

UPCOMING EVENTS